An Act relating to early intervention services for certain children; relating to optional services under the medical assistance program; and providing for an effective date.

SB 178 expands eligibility for early intervention services under Alaska's medical assistance program to include children under age 3 who are at risk of developmental delays or disabilities, not just those already diagnosed. It adds "early intervention services for children eligible under AS 47.20.080" to the list of optional medical assistance services and requires the department to develop a state plan for these services. The bill also mandates training programs for paraprofessionals serving these children and establishes requirements for monitoring service effectiveness. This directly affects infants and toddlers with developmental concerns, their families, and providers of early intervention services in Alaska.